Purchase agreement for horse – veterinary inspection, horse passport and liability

Buying a horse differs from many other private purchases. The horse is a living individual, and questions regarding identity, health, intended use, previous injuries, behavior, and insurance can become highly significant after the handover. A well-prepared purchase agreement should therefore document considerably more than just the price and the delivery date.

Which law applies when buying a horse?

For purchases between two private individuals, the agreement reached by the parties primarily applies. If the agreement does not regulate the issue, the Sale of Goods Act (köplagen) typically applies. However, if the seller conducts a business involving the sale of animals, the Consumer Sales Act (konsumentköplagen) may be applicable even if the seller describes themselves as a private individual in everyday terms. The assessment depends on the circumstances of the individual case.

Horse passport, microchip, and UELN

All horses must have a horse passport and be identified according to the rules described by the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket). When the horse receives its passport, it is also assigned an identity number, usually a UELN number or life number. For horses that are to be in Sweden for an extended period, there are also registration requirements in the central horse database.

Before a purchase, the buyer should compare the passport with the horse, check the microchip number where applicable, and search for the horse in the central horse database using, for example, the UELN or microchip number. A horse passport is an identity document for the horse and should be provided at the time of handover.

Veterinary inspection – document both results and scope

A veterinary inspection does not eliminate all risk but provides the buyer with important information about the horse's status at the time of purchase. The contract should specify the date of the inspection, who performed it, and whether special examinations were conducted, such as X-rays or targeted investigations.

If the buyer declines a recommended examination, it can also be wise to document this. The same applies if the parties are aware of a previous injury or a specific area of use that places higher demands on the horse.

Area	What should be in the agreement?
Identity	Name, UELN/life number, microchip number, year of birth, and passport details.
Health	Known injuries, illnesses, treatments, medication, and veterinary inspection.
Usage	Intended area of use, for example, hobby, show jumping, dressage, or breeding.
Behavior	Known behaviors relevant to handling, riding, loading, or environment.
Insurance	Company, coverage, and known exclusions if the parties wish to document this.
Delivery	Date, location, responsibility for transport, and when risk/responsibility transfers.

Describe the horse's intended use

A horse purchased as a companion horse is not necessarily judged in the same way as a horse expressly sold for competition at a certain level. Therefore, the buyer's intended use and the seller's information about the horse's characteristics should be documented as concretely as possible.

Down payment and conditional purchase

If the buyer pays a down payment before the veterinary inspection or final delivery, the agreement should specify what happens if a condition is not met. For example, the parties can agree that the purchase is conditional upon an approved veterinary inspection of a defined scope. It should also be stated if and when the down payment is to be refunded.

Common mistakes when buying a horse

1. Too vague information about the horse. Do not just write the breed and name – document identity details.
2. Unclear area of use. Write what the buyer has stated the horse will be used for.
3. The inspection is not mentioned. Attach or refer to the veterinary report.
4. Known defects are only communicated verbally. Important information should be included in the contract or an attachment.
5. Insurance matters left until after the purchase. Check for possible insurance before the handover, especially in cases of previous injuries.
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Frequently asked questions about horse purchase agreements

Is a written purchase agreement mandatory?

A written contract is highly recommended. It makes it significantly easier to prove what the buyer and seller actually agreed upon.

Does the Sale of Goods Act always apply to horse purchases?

No. In a genuine private purchase, the Sale of Goods Act (köplagen) normally applies, while the Consumer Sales Act (konsumentköplagen) may apply when the seller conducts business involving the sale of animals.

Must the horse have a passport?

Yes. The Swedish Board of Agriculture states that all horses must have a horse passport and be identified according to current rules.

Can one verify the UELN or microchip number?

Yes. The Swedish Board of Agriculture's central horse database can be searched using, among other things, the UELN or microchip number.

Is a veterinary inspection a legal requirement?

There is no general requirement that every horse purchase must be preceded by a veterinary inspection, but it is often a very important part of the buyer's risk assessment and should be documented when conducted.

Related guide

Down payment agreement – what applies to cars, boats, horses, dogs, and property?

Sources

• Swedish Consumer Agency – buying animals from a private individual
• Swedish Consumer Agency – buying animals from a breeder or business
• Swedish Board of Agriculture – horse passports and registration
• Swedish Board of Agriculture – central horse database

Last updated: October 4, 2026. This article provides general information and does not replace individual legal advice.